(1)
The multimedia travelogue, consisting of video clips, photographs, sketches and illustrations, is geared for larger diverse audiences. The documentary follows the 1600 mile journey through the artwork and photography by the artist as he explored the pristine wilderness, sublime landscape and thousands of islands aboard the classic wooden yacht called 'Alwihta'. The marine perspective is unique in that much of the coast is rarely visited being that a third of the coast is still inaccessible by roads. The presentation also describes the daily living conditions that were sometimes fraught with changing weather conditions, bugs, isolation and living in the tight quarters of a 27 foot sailboat. Yet one gained a freedom by living off the rhythm of the wind, sun and basic austerity moving from one anchorage to another to bustling seaports where one negotiated around massive freighters and heavy traffic. The final part describes the steps that Fritz used in creating his digital compositions and illustrations from a large volume of sketches, photographs and journals that he made during the trip.
Timeline and audiences: 50 minutes plus Q and A. General audiences of all ages from schools, cultural centers, boating organizations and community organizations.
Required equipment: LCD projector with laptop (PC or Mac) that accepts CDs and has Microsolf Powerpoint.
*Price: 125.00
(2)
This presentation is meant for smaller groups such as upper elementary and middle school classrooms, encouraging frequent interaction with the artist/presenter, Fritz Seegers. Using photographic overheads, found objects on the voyage and video, he'll describe his circumnavigation as it retraced the route by early voyageurs, passing some of the most spectacular rock formations in North America. Hidden along its shore, one can find early pictographs recounting the Lake's treacherous weather, a topic that appears in much of its maritime folklore. Along the way, the artist encountered and documented many abandoned settlements that at onetime flourish including some that existed two to four thousand years ago. Finally, in Grand Portage, Minnesota, Fritz will show examples of his work as he sketched and photographed the reenactment of the annual Rendezvous in the exact replica of the original fort. Using art, photography and relics, the presentation becomes a valuable lesson in how one uses art to discover and interpret the Lake's illustrious history that was so vital in opening up the North American Continent. At the end of the show, Seegers will engage in a lively discussion about the future of the Great Lakes and its impact upon the world.
Timeline and audiences: 50 minutes plus Q and A. 35 (or less) upper elementary and middle school studying regional history, environmental science, art and geography.
Required equipment: Overhead provector, VCR and monitor.
Presentation Articles: Photographic overheads, posters, video, artist prints and sketches and found objects such as rocks, antlers and boat equipment.
*Price: 125.00
Travel Expense: none within 25 miles from Kalamazoo, MI. 20 cents per mile beyond 25 miles plus overnight expenses if necessary.
